I guess my social networks are at that point in life when such marriage-focused stories become items of primary interest. Heck, I tend to be among the first to share them as well. And on the surface it's easy to just feel all warm and fuzzy about such things, on the flip side there's the somber reminder that marriage is not something I can actually explore with Tobie just yet. Sure, there are other countries that recognize same-sex marriage or strange religious institutions who perform the ceremony locally as well. But at the end of the day, the Philippines is still one of those countries where marriage equality hasn't quite happened yet - that and many other rights still being denied to the Filipino LGBT community.

But a guy can still hope, right? I think a lot of my viewing of different wedding proposal gimmicks and concept shoots for engagement photos are all part of longer term planning efforts for what Tobie and I might consider trying when we finally have that legal option to get married here.

Here are a few rather endearing videos that may serve as interesting inspiration for possible engagement plans - for now I shall vehemently deny planning anything. LOL

There's this adorable South African gentleman who reached for the stars in proposing to his boyfriend...

And this last one isn't for a gay couple, but it's so heartwarming I had to include it here.

Think of this blog post as a sort of vision board, I suppose. I know we'll get there one day - and perhaps even one day soon. I'd like to think that marriage equality is pretty much inevitable - and for now I'm going to do my best to hold on Tobie and reinforce my commitment to him until that fateful day we finally get to walk down the aisle together.